And the good news is they're back in harness again next week when their beloved Reds clash in the Capital One Cup.

This week, before Liverpool's 2-2 draw at Swansea, Carra convincingly took a 1-0 lead to take to Old Trafford with him.

Discussing the role of full-backs in the modern game, Carragher left Gary Neville and presenter Ed Chamberlain in stitches by declaring: "Sometimes I look at full-backs and I think they're either a failed winger or a failed centre-back.

"No-one wants to be a full-back as a kid. No-one wants to grow up and be a Gary Neville!"

It was great knockabout banter. But it wasn't always that way.

As heart on your sleeve symbols of their respective clubs, when the pair clashed on the pitch there was precious little humour to be had.

"Oh no, there was no banter. We were rivals on the pitch alright," explained Carragher.

"But when you stop playing a lot of it does die down, that intensity that you've got, that rivalry with Everton or Manchester United or Chelsea.

"When you stop playing it does ease off a bit.

"It's been good with Gary so far. I've enjoyed it. He's obviously passionate about Manchester United as I am Liverpool.

"It's just a bit unfortunate we weren't together for the last Premier League game (when Liverpool beat United 1-0 at Anfield), but we are for the cup game... so hopefully Brendan will put the full team out and Suarez will come back and do the business!"

Saturday's visit of Southampton to Anfield is the final occasion Liverpool will have to do without their Uruguayan striker.

But with Daniel Sturridge flourishing in a central role - and Philippe Coutinho, Victor Moses and Iago Aspas now all offering competition for places on the flanks - Suarez's return from suspension will give boss Brendan Rodgers a selection dilemma.

For Carragher, the dilemma isn't about whether Suarez returns, it's all about who makes way - and how.

"Suarez will always fit in - a player that good," he explained.

"The manager will have a system, but when you have a player that good you look at your best players and say 'they have to play.'

"How they fit in is up to the manager.

"Sometimes you have to adapt your system to fit players and sometimes the players have to fit the system.

"But when you have players of that quality you have to find somewhere for them to play.

"Whether he'll go straight in I don't know. He might have to build his fitness up, of course, but it will be interesting how he does.

"We had that Cantona one, didn't we, where he came back after a long time out and scored? Hopefully Luis does the same!"